Mastering Essential Techniques for Becoming a Tattoo Artist

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When it comes to being a great artist in the field, you can't say enough about the importance of acquiring the fundamental tattooing techniques. Whether you are trying to create and transfer the perfect stencil or you want to master the ability to make designs appear to glow, it's all about finding the right tattooing techniques and then practicing them until they're perfect. Here are four basic techniques that will give you a start on the path to becoming a truly skilled tattoo artist. #1. Transferring a Design Each artist has his or her own preferred tattooing techniques, and each one can tell you why you should do something a certain way. Of course, another artist will tell you just as adamantly why you should use a completely different …show more content…

There are several tattooing techniques that can be used, but probably the most popular involves the use of an unexpected agent: deodorant. To be more specific, many artists recommend the use of Speed Stick deodorant to help the lines of a stencil stick to the client's skin. Here is how to do it... To do this properly, make sure you have drawn a mirror image of the design onto your tracing paper. Next, apply a light coating of Speed Stick to the skin. To avoid potential contamination, it is best to do this with a tongue depressor rather than by placing the product directly to the skin. Now, press the tracing paper, image side down, against the skin. It will stick slightly due to the deodorant. Rub the entire surface of the paper firmly, and when you gently pull it from the skin, you will see that the design is left behind and is facing the right direction. #2. Creating a Bridge Some tattooing techniques are all about the fundamentals, and that is definitely true when it comes to creating "the bridge." This term refers to the way in which a tattoo artist holds his or her hand when pressing the needles to the client's …show more content…

Staying aware of what you're doing will also help; if you're thinking ahead, you'll be able to avoid some complications. Remember that you'll likely have to go back in and fill in the occasional line, and there's no shame in that. #4. Creating Smooth, Solid Lines A major pitfall for the newbie tattoo artist is the inability to avoid knots, blowouts, and other signs that too much ink was quickly put into one spot. When this happens, the ink has nowhere to go and ends up spreading out under the skin, making a permanent mark that can ruin the overall design. There are a few tattoo techniques you can employ in order to minimize or avoid creating these unsightly mistakes. First of all, make sure that your ink reservoir is full before you put the needle to the skin. This will allow you to run a line longer, without having to stop partway through and then pick back up, increasing your chance for a blowout or

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